Southampton could move for Cagliari defender Davide Astori to ease problems at the back

Southampton have been linked with a fresh move for long-term target Davide Astori to plug the gaps in their leaky defence.

The 27-year-old Cagliari central defender has been monitored by the south coast club since Nigel Adkins was their manager and reports in Italy suggest they are ready to make an offer for the Italy international.

Saints flying start to the season has been undermined by a weakness at the back and they have conceded three goals in three of their last five matches.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino denied last month that he was interested in Astori but that was before his back four went AWOL for long spells in matches over the holiday period.

The player has been with the Serie A club for the past six years and the Rossonblu have been reluctant to sell but it is now reported in Italian newspaper Tuttosport that they may be softening their stance in anticipation of another offer from the Premier League outfit.